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Cardiac Emergencies (ACLS) Flashcards

6 cards from real DCAS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. The maximum recommended time for interrupting CPR to check rhythm or deliver a shock is:

    Answer: Less than 10 seconds

    Interruptions to chest compressions (pauses for rhythm analysis, ventilation, defibrillation) should be minimised to under 10 seconds to maintain adequate coronary and cerebral perfusion during CPR.

  2. Magnesium sulphate 1-2g IV is used in ACLS for:

    Answer: Torsades de pointes (polymorphic VT with prolonged QT interval)

    Torsades de pointes is a specific form of polymorphic VT associated with long QT syndrome; magnesium sulphate (1-2g IV) is the treatment of choice, shortening the QT interval and suppressing the arrhythmia.

  3. The correct position for hands during adult chest compressions is:

    Answer: Lower half of the sternum, heel of hand, with second hand overlapping

    Compressions must be applied to the lower half of the sternum using the heel of the dominant hand with the second hand overlapping, directly compressing the heart between sternum and spine.

  4. Which drug is used to treat bradycardia caused by beta-blocker overdose refractory to atropine?

    Answer: High-dose glucagon IV

    Glucagon activates adenylate cyclase independently of beta-adrenoceptors, bypassing the beta-blockade to increase heart rate and contractility — making it the antidote of choice for beta-blocker overdose.

  5. In ACLS, when is it appropriate to administer sodium bicarbonate during cardiac arrest?

    Answer: When specific reversible causes are present (hyperkalaemia, tricyclic overdose, pre-existing metabolic acidosis)

    Routine bicarbonate in cardiac arrest is not recommended as it worsens intracellular acidosis; it is specifically indicated for hyperkalaemia, tricyclic antidepressant overdose, and documented severe metabolic acidosis.

  6. The 'Code Team Leader' in ACLS is responsible for:

    Answer: Directing resuscitation, making treatment decisions, delegating tasks, and calling for termination

    The team leader directs the resuscitation without performing compressions (to maintain situational awareness), assigns roles, makes treatment decisions, integrates information, and determines when to terminate efforts.

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Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

  1. ambulance.gov.ae — Fees, eligibility · verified Oct 2026